* Hampton City News

Plans for inflatable water park at Buckroe Beach postponed due to permit delays

June 30, 2017 - Plans to add an inflatable water park at Buckroe Beach this summer have been postponed due to permit delays that will not be resolved until early fall.

City officials hope to have the necessary permits approved by September. The equipment will then be purchased and prepared for use next summer. “We still look forward to adding this fun feature to Buckroe Beach,” said Alison Alexander, a planner in the city manager’s office.

Early plans called for the water park to open in July of this year, but a permit required for anchoring the park to the sea floor calls for an unexpected public hearing by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. That hearing can’t be scheduled until later this year.

Once approved, the inflatable water park would be located between the fishing pier and observation pier at Buckroe Beach. In giving the go-ahead for the project at a May meeting, enthusiastic Council members asked that the park open as soon as possible. Park equipment will cost about $175,000 and will be paid for by entrance fees.

The water park is part of a continuing “Placemaking" initiative that focuses on making Hampton a more inviting place to live, work or play. As part of that initiative, additional amenities are being added this year to various city beaches and parks.